Machine Guarding Calculator

Calculate safe opening sizes and guard distances for machine guarding per OSHA standards.

Guard Opening Size (inches)

Guard Distance from Hazard (inches)

Hazard Type

Tab to move between fields

Max Safe Opening (inches)

0.75

Min Safe Distance (inches)

31.5

Opening Size Compliant1

Distance Compliant0

Overall Compliant0

Opening Reduction Needed (inches)0

How to Use This Calculator

Enter machine type, blade/tool speed (RPM), and distance from hazard to guard opening.
Enter worker reach distance and hand size for opening size calculations.
Read the maximum allowable guard opening (mm) per OSHA 1910.217 opening size table.
Verify guard opening does not exceed the table value for the distance from the hazard.
Consider fixed, interlocked, adjustable, and self-adjusting guard types based on machine operation.

What each input means

Guard Opening Size (inches): Width of opening in the guard barrier.
Guard Distance from Hazard (inches): Distance from guard to nearest hazard point.
Hazard Type: 1=Rotating, 2=Reciprocating, 3=Pinch Point, 4=Shear.

Identify Input Parameters
Guard Opening Size (inches) = 0.5, Guard Distance from Hazard (inches) = 4, Hazard Type = 1 = 3 input(s) provided
Calculate Max Safe Opening
0.75 = 0.75
Calculate Min Safe Distance
Min Safe Distance
31.5 = 31.5
Calculate Opening Size Compliant
Opening Size Compliant
1 = 1
Calculate Distance Compliant
Distance Compliant
0 = 0

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